Director, Science Policy

Director, Science Policy

Permanent

Executive

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote

Bargaining Unit Position:
No

Our Organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.

For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet's most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war. Values informing our work include:

• Science in the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes-now, and for future generations.
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.
• Democracy promotes a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

UCS's Executive Program

The Director of Science Policy is responsible for advancing rigorous, independent science at UCS and enhancing UCS's effectiveness and visibility in developing evidence-based solutions and advocacy for a healthy, safe, and just future. This position exists to provide leadership, guidance, and project management on UCS strategies to bring scientists and robust science to bear on strengthening public policies and enhance UCS' presence and reputation in the scientific community.

Scope includes but is not limited to emerging issues that do not fit well into existing programs, and strategic opportunities to strengthen UCS prominence and connections in the scientific community. The position provides input on longer-term directions for UCS to ensure science-based advocacy, communications and analysis.

Responsibilities Advance rigorous, independent science in UCS activities and mission.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and coordination of UCS strategies to bring scientists and robust science to bear in UCS research, advocacy, and communications.
• Lead and support organization-wide strategic initiatives and UCS-relevant rapid response activities and communications that don't fit squarely within a UCS program or campaign.
• Provide counsel to the President, Vice President for Programs, Policy, and Advocacy, the Executive Team, and the UCS Board of Directors on scientific and strategic issues of priority concern, including troubleshooting, and assessing possible emerging opportunities for UCS engagement with the scientific community.
• Identify and lead UCS initiatives to advance UCS scientists and analysts' effectiveness and professional growth in the scientific community.

Enhance UCS connections to and prominence in the scientific and science policy communities

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key scientists, leaders, and science policy experts in academia, government, NGOs, and relevant scientific societies and institutions.
• Represent UCS and enhance UCS participation and standing in prominent scientific and science policy spaces, such as scientific society conferences, Congressional activities, and National Academies events.
• Encourage and facilitate the introduction of members of UCS' scientific community to these networks and individuals.
• As appropriate, lead and/or participate in major external scientific initiatives.
• Advise senior staff leadership in the deployment, coordination, and opportunities to strengthen UCS's networks of physical, natural, social, and health scientists, engineers, and economists, and recruitment of these professionals as volunteers, members, colleagues, and advocates.
• Contribute to peer-reviewed literature, as appropriate.

Support Donor Relations and Media Relations

• In coordination with the Development Department and relevant program staff, brief major donors, foundation directors, program officers, and members of the National Advisory Board.
• Ensure effective representation of UCS's scientific work in development activities.
• Support development of fundraising strategies and contacts, particularly as it applies to emerging cross-disciplinary initiatives.
• In coordination with the Communications Department and Program Directors, serve as a senior media spokesperson on the scientific and as appropriate, related policy dimensions of global environmental change issues.
• Represent UCS on these issues in key policy and public forums.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Develop and implement policies and procedures to promote, support, and ensure rigorous, independent science.
• Establish new (or update existing) policies and procedures for ensuring scientific excellence at UCS,…